If*you*live in the US then you've probably already seen a crow if you recognized it or not. The common crow has a distinctive if not dramatic appearance and a less than melodic sound. With this information you'll be sure to spot one.

The*common*American crow can be found living throughout almost all of the U.S. Hereís how to spot it.You*Will*Need

** * Binoculars** * Field guide

How*To*Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Observe the bird's field marksStep*1:*Observe the bird's field marks

Consider*the*birdís appearance through binoculars and compare it with the pictures in your field guide. Crows are all black, including their bills and legs. Their bills are thick and sturdy.How*To*Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Listen to the bird's callStep*2:*Listen to the bird's call

There*can*be variations in the crowís caw. Crows can actually mimic the whine of a dog, the voice of a human, and the squawk of a hen.How*To*Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Observe the bird in flightStep*3:*Observe the bird in flight

Observe*the*birdís flight pattern. Crows exhibit a methodical flapping of their wings and do not soar like ravens do.How*To*Identify Birds: the Common Crow: Observe the bird's postureStep*4:*Observe the bird's posture

Consider*the*birdís posture. Crows perch in a manner that tends to be more horizontal than vertical.

The*oldest*recorded age of a wild American crow is 14 years and seven months.